Blank hoodies: weight, styles and what to print on them

What is a blank hoodie?

A blank hoodie is a plain hooded sweatshirt with no print, logo or label on the outside. Printers, clubs, schools, small brands and event organisers buy them to add their own design by screen printing, DTF, vinyl or embroidery.

Most blank hoodies are made from sweat fleece: smooth on the outside, brushed and soft on the inside. The smooth face is what you print on, the brushed back is what keeps it warm.

What gsm is best for a blank hoodie?

Hoodies are much heavier than T-shirts. As a rough guide:

Fruit of the Loom's Classic Hooded Sweat is approx. 280 gsm in 80 % cotton and 20 % polyester, and the Lightweight Hooded Sweat is approx. 240 gsm. The polyester share helps the hoodie keep its shape and reduces shrinking.

Pullover or zip hoodie: which should you choose?

• Pullover hoodie: one smooth front with a kangaroo pocket. Best for a large chest print or a front and back design. The classic choice for leavers, teams and events.
• Zip hoodie: the zip splits the front, so you print a small logo on the left chest and a big design on the back. Looks tidier as staff or workwear.
• Crew neck sweatshirt: no hood and no pocket, so the largest clean print area and a lower price.

Many groups mix: pullover hoodies for members, zip hoodies for coaches or staff, both with the same back print.

Which print methods work on hoodies?

• Screen printing: very durable on cotton-rich fleece and economical from approx. 30 to 50 pieces per design.
• DTF: works on cotton, polyester and blends from 1 piece. Good for colourful designs in small runs.
• Heat transfer vinyl: ideal for names and numbers. Cut mirrored, press at approx. 150 to 160 °C for 10 to 15 seconds, always following the manufacturer.
• Embroidery: the heavier fleece carries stitches well, so a chest logo looks sharp and lasts.
• DTG: possible, but the polyester share and the fleece texture make results less crisp than on a 100 % cotton tee.

Sublimation is not an option on cotton-rich hoodies. For a full method comparison see screen printing vs DTF.

Where should the print go on a hoodie?

Keep the design above the pocket seam on a pullover, usually 7 to 10 cm below the neckline. On the back, a design approx. 25 to 30 cm wide suits most adult sizes. Avoid the hood and the side seams, and press on a flat pad so the pocket does not create an uneven surface.

Popular placements for group hoodies:

• Left chest logo: approx. 8 to 10 cm wide, ideal for embroidery or a small DTF print.
• Large back print: the main design, often with a list of names for leavers or teams.
• Sleeve print: a year, a web address or a small icon running down one arm.
• Name on the hood or back neck: personalised with vinyl, one piece at a time.

Combining a small front logo with a big back print gives a professional look without making the hoodie stiff across the chest.

What do blank hoodies cost in bulk?

At Marmalade Co. prices include VAT and the quantity discount is automatic: 5 % from 3 pieces and 10 % from 5 pieces.

DHL delivery costs €7 flat per order, with dispatch in 0 to 1 working day and delivery in about 2 to 3 working days to Ireland, Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal and Spain. The shop does not currently deliver to the United Kingdom, and it sells blanks only, without a printing service.

How do you wash a printed hoodie?

Wait approx. 24 hours after printing or pressing. Then wash inside out at 30 to 40 °C, without fabric softener, and let it dry flat or on a hanger instead of the tumble dryer. That protects both the print and the brushed inside. For sizing a group order, see the size guide.